come-to-Jesus moment

noun

come-to-Je·​sus moment

variants or come to Jesus moment

plural come-to-Jesus moments or come to Jesus moments

: a moment of sudden realization, comprehension, or recognition that often precipitates a major change

Many patients emerge from illness having had a come-to-Jesus moment that reorients their thinking.

—James Hamblin

… I had … a come-to-Jesus moment with myself. I remember thinking, "What will you regret if you don't try?" So I went after my dream …

—Dianne Derby

Examples of come-to-Jesus moment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the way to said party, Liam’s friends Jackson and Kendall are having a come-to-Jesus moment with him about the Ariana situation, which is looking worse and worse by the minute. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

His come-to-Jesus moment takes place during what can only be described as a total nervous breakdown. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026

What accounts for Idol’s come-to-Jesus moment? — Zach Schonfeld, Rolling Stone, 25 Dec. 2025

Oh, and Kylo Ren has a come-to-Jesus moment, turns to the light side of the Force, and falls in love with Rey, because… who knows. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1999, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for come-to-Jesus moment

• enrolment